Tips & Tools Weekly (Vol. 15, No. 2)

This Week's Software Tips

Change Your UCS and Retain Subtracted SolidsGreg Silva sends us some simple routines to help out when working in 3D in AutoCAD. "The following commands make it easy to switch among the most frequently used UCSs (user coordinate systems): front, world, left, and right." View the complete tip and post your feedback.

Copy Objects with Windows Keyboard Shortcuts Mechanical designer Brian James Lottis gives us a tip that can save you time and effort when using Windows shortcut keystrokes to copy your objects. "Typically, we only think of using the clipboard to copy elements from one drawing to another. But here's a case where it really helps in a single drawing." View the complete tip and post your feedback.

Extended ClipDale L. Miksch talks to us about easier ways to clip images. "I work with civil plan and profile drawings that have an aerial photo attached in the plan view. Sometimes the stationing changes on a project centerline, which necessitates moving the plan view, including the background photo." View the complete tip and post your feedback.

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Got Feedback? To share feedback about one of today's tips, navigate to the tip using the link provided above, then click Comment. The Comment tool is available to registered users of Cadalyst's CAD Tips site.

Tips & Tools Weekly software tips for AutoCAD are reviewed by Cadalyst staff and the Tip Patrol before publication. Use all tips at your own discretion, please. We're sorry, but editors and Tip Patrol members cannot provide assistance with technical problems; please refer to Cadalyst's Hot Tip Harry-Help discussion forum for assistance with AutoLISP and other AutoCAD customization questions.

Resources

SolidWorks Provides Webinar Archive For those who weren't able to attend a live SolidWorks webinar, the 3D CAD software provider has made archived recordings available on its web site. Topics in the SolidWorks archived web series include SolidWorks Sustainability 2010 and Mechatronics — A New Beginning.

Engineered Software Ships New Edition of Fluid-Flow Reference Piping program software provider Engineered Software has announced the release and shipment of the 2009 edition of Crane's Technical Paper No. 410 (TP-410). Originally developed in 1942, the TP-410 is a standard technical resource, explaining the flow of fluid through valves, pipes, and fittings. New entries include chapters on pumps and control valves, as well as an updated bibliography and technical references.

CIMdata Releases PLM Implementation Program Review CIMdata, a product lifecycle management (PLM) consulting and research firm, has released a new program review entitled "Meeting the Challenges of Transitioning PLM Implementations." This review describes key challenges faced by companies as they transition their PLM implementations through the series of version and enhancement releases provided by their PLM supplier.

Opportunities & Honors

Coordinate Metrology Society Issues Call for Papers The Coordinate Metrology Society, a membership association for measurement professionals, has announced a call for papers for the 2010 Coordinate Metrology Systems Conference (CMSC). The organization requests presentations and technical white papers that explore technologies, theories, and practices that advance coordinate metrology. The deadline for abstracts is April 16, 2010.

Objet Printers Recognized by Material ConneXionObjet Geometries, a 3D printing products provider, announced that its Connex500 and Connex350 received an honorable mention in the competition for the MEDIUM Award for Material of the Year 2009. The printers were among the finalists for the first annual MEDIUM Award, launched by materials consultancy Material ConneXion. The award recognizes materials and processes that demonstrate innovation and the potential to make a significant contribution to the advancement of design, industry, society, and the economy.

Books & Training

First Trace Offers CAD Management, Engineering Videos The First Trace web site now offers the engineering software provider's webinars, featuring such topics as maintaining CAD file integrity, variations in document management, and the five pillars of engineering document management. Site visitors can view any of the complimentary, hour-long videos addressing CAD management, drawing management, and engineering design issues.

Doctor Walt's KeyMachinist 9 NC Introductory Guide Released CAD training provider Conceptual Product Development has announced the release of Doctor Walt's KeyMachinist 9 NC Introductory Guide. The book provides an introduction to KeyMachinist machining software and is suited for KeyCreator users who also need to master NC machining functions. Walter Silva, author of the "Doctor Walt" series of books on CAD, rapid prototyping, and desktop publishing, shows readers the power of integrated NC tools in the KeyCreator environment.

Mark Your Calendar

Webinar: ArchiCAD 13 — A Revolution in BIM Collaboration January 21–March 11, 2010 Join Graphisoft for a free webinar showcasing ArchiCAD 13 and building information modeling (BIM). This informational session is designed to introduce architects working in 2D CAD to the basics and benefits of BIM. Read more

WinEst 2010 User Conference March 1–3, 2010 Seattle, Washington Conference attendees can learn more about estimating and industry topics including building information modeling (BIM), and can meet one-on-one with technical support experts. Read more

For a complete list of CAD meetings, conferences, training sessions, and more, check out our calendar of events on Cadalyst.com. Are you hosting an event that you would like to include in our calendar? Submit details at least two weeks in advance to news@cadalyst.com.

What's New at Cadalyst.com

Announcing the Return of Cadalyst Magazine Longitude Media, the new publisher of Cadalyst, is proud to announce the return of Cadalyst magazine. The great content you expect from Cadalyst is available again in the print format you enjoy. Read more

Event Report: Autodesk University 2009 In a year when canceled events were not uncommon, Autodesk presses forward and draws nearly 6,000 to Las Vegas and 19,000 to AU Virtual for learning opportunities and technology updates. Read more

About the Author: Cadalyst Staff

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AutoCAD Tips!

Autodesk Technical Evangelist Lynn Allen guides you through a different AutoCAD feature in every edition of her popular "Circles and Lines" tutorial series. For even more AutoCAD how-to, check out Lynn's quick tips in the Cadalyst Video Gallery. Subscribe to Cadalyst's free Tips & Tools Weekly e-newsletter and we'll notify you every time a new video tip is published. All exclusively from Cadalyst!Follow Lynn on Twitter